Topic: iPod touch

Apple's open, third party iOS ecosystem is enabling retailers to build mobile point of sale devices based on the iPod touch independently of the EasyPay solution used in its own retail stores, with new retail applications of the iPad also in progress.

As Apple is rumored to soon unveil a new subscription service for applications on iOS devices, popular U.K. newspaper The Guardian has revealed that it hopes to release a new subscription-based iPhone application before Christmas.

Apple has quietly discontinued its compact wired keyboard, and only offers the full-size wired option on its store. Also, Hulu Plus, the recently launched $7.99-per-month TV service for iPad, iPhone and other devices, has "exceeded expectations" in attracting subscribers.

Apple has launched a pilot of its EasyPay custom mobile retail software in a trial with Gap subsidiary Old Navy, opening a new market for the iPod touch in handheld payment transactions. [Update: This third-party report is erroneous, see here.]

British Billionaire Richard Branson has launched his new iPad-only magazine, titled Project, on the App Store for $2.99. Also, Infinity Blade from Epic Games, already featured in iPad TV commercials, will launch on Dec. 9 for iOS devices at a price of $5.99.

For iOS devices, Apple's Black Friday sale remains the place to turn for some of the most material discounts with a few exceptions, such as $79.99 Apple TVs and $199 8GB iPod touches promoted elsewhere. [Update: the Apple TV deal has sold out]

Apple's retail store deals for Black Friday have posted in Australia, indicating its discounts in the US will translate to around $100 savings on desktops and notebooks, and $25 to $50 on iPads and iPods.

Early Black Friday discounts from Apple's authorized resellers continue to crop up Thursday, including offers for 20% off the new Apple TV, Microsoft Office 2011 for $89.99, VMWare Fusion for $27.99 and 64GB iPod touches for $349.

Google Android caught up with Apple's iOS in terms of mobile ad impressions in October, as advertising firm Millennial Media found both iOS and Android accounted for 37 percent of smartphones seen on its network.

Google on Wednesday introduced a new mobile editor for its Google Docs productivity service, while Hulu Plus officially launched with a monthly rate of $7.99, $2 less than it charged during its "preview" phase.

Though previous reports alleged that iOS 4.2 would become available on Friday, new rumors suggest the software update for the iPhone and iPad will come next week, on Nov. 16, or perhaps even later to address purported Wi-Fi issues [updated].